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In tests last year, Consumer Reports found that all containers of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi One had levels of a cancer-causing substance exceeding the California limit by at least six times. In contrast, Sprite showed no significant levels of 4-MEI, while containers of Coca-Cola, Coke Zero and Diet Coke had relatively low levels.
(The Associated Press)

Consumer
Reports fired a shot into the soft drink wars on Thursday with a study showing
high quantities of a potentially cancer causing substance in Pepsi drinks but
not Coke.

As we reported, the consumer group tested 110 cans of soda from
stores in New York and California between April and December last year for the
chemical called 4-methylimidazole, or 4-MEI, which has been shown to cause
cancer in mice. The test results are surprising.

They turned up relatively
small amounts of 4-MEI in Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper but
high amounts in Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi One and Goya Malta, which was
practically off the charts.

Sprite had practically no 4-MEI, probably
because it is a light-colored drink. The compound is a byproduct in the
production of certain types of artificial coloring, namely two types of caramel
coloring.

Though the scientific jury's still out on how
much 4-MEI could cause cancer in humans, if at all, Consumer Reports would like
it out of the food supply. After all, it's not an essential ingredient. It just
adds color.

The Food and Drug Administration, reacting to
the Consumer Reports study, said it's carrying out tests to determine whether
the compound could, in fact, be harmful. There are currently no federal
standards on 4-methylimidazole in food sold the United States.

But what do you think? Americans are
passionate about their soft drinks. We all know that sugary sodas are
fattening. We all know they contain lots of chemicals. Are you worried they
might add to your cancer risk?